Percentage of female councillors drops

It has been revealed that female politicians are on the decline in the new super councils, which were recently elected in May.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Aug 2014, 16:29 GMT
A voter placing a ballot paper in the ballot box at a polling stationA voter placing a ballot paper in the ballot box at a polling station
A voter placing a ballot paper in the ballot box at a polling station

In the new Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, the percentage of female councillors has fallen from 40% to just 26%, fractionally over a quarter of the new council.

In the Banbridge ward of the new council, only one woman was elected - Ulster Unionist Elizabeth Ingram. In the Lagan River ward, which covers the Dromore area, Ulster Unionist Carol Black and DUP Hazel Gamble were elected. In total, eleven women will serve on the new Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

Political parties have acknowledged the need for more female election candidates.

Related topics:ArmaghBanbridgeUlsterDUPDromore